Post by L Roebuck on Aug 25, 2006 13:52:18 GMT -5
Visitor captures collapse of popular ice caves
By BERNARD CHOI / KING 5 News
GRANITE FALLS, Wash. – Every year, thousands visit the Big Four Ice Caves in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Granite Falls. But danger lurks because the caves can collapse at any time.
The ice structure is breathtaking and during the height of summer, it’s like Mother Nature’s air-conditioning. But anyone who’s ever visited the ice caves has seen signs and fliers warning visitors to be careful.
Huge chunks of ice weighing several tons can tumble down, but many people discount the danger.
For avid traveler and photographer Ron Jarus, the Big Four Ice Caves are a sight to behold.
On Sunday, Ron saw the proof of the danger in person. With his video camera rolling, he captured a series of collapses.
“It's a beautiful sight to see and to be there when it happens,” he said.
The camera rolled for 3 hours.
For decades, the U.S. Forest Service has warned hikers to admire the caves from afar because giant chunks of ice could come crashing down at any time, and for decades, visitors have ignored the advice.
In the early 1990s, several people barely escaped death after they were buried by snow and ice.
Ron Jarus was one of those who would walk into the caves taking the risk, chancing danger. But not any more.
“After what I've seen yesterday, I will never go into those caves again. Never!” he said.
Despite the partial collapse, you can still see a big part of the caves, which wasn’t the case last summer. Ron says this time last year, it was so bone-dry, the caves were already gone.
The Big Four Ice Caves are usually exposed during August and are visible through October.
Article and Ron Jarus Video
By BERNARD CHOI / KING 5 News
GRANITE FALLS, Wash. – Every year, thousands visit the Big Four Ice Caves in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Granite Falls. But danger lurks because the caves can collapse at any time.
The ice structure is breathtaking and during the height of summer, it’s like Mother Nature’s air-conditioning. But anyone who’s ever visited the ice caves has seen signs and fliers warning visitors to be careful.
Huge chunks of ice weighing several tons can tumble down, but many people discount the danger.
For avid traveler and photographer Ron Jarus, the Big Four Ice Caves are a sight to behold.
On Sunday, Ron saw the proof of the danger in person. With his video camera rolling, he captured a series of collapses.
“It's a beautiful sight to see and to be there when it happens,” he said.
The camera rolled for 3 hours.
For decades, the U.S. Forest Service has warned hikers to admire the caves from afar because giant chunks of ice could come crashing down at any time, and for decades, visitors have ignored the advice.
In the early 1990s, several people barely escaped death after they were buried by snow and ice.
Ron Jarus was one of those who would walk into the caves taking the risk, chancing danger. But not any more.
“After what I've seen yesterday, I will never go into those caves again. Never!” he said.
Despite the partial collapse, you can still see a big part of the caves, which wasn’t the case last summer. Ron says this time last year, it was so bone-dry, the caves were already gone.
The Big Four Ice Caves are usually exposed during August and are visible through October.
Article and Ron Jarus Video